Contract Aquatic Biologist

The Tennessee Valley Authority Biological Compliance group is in need of a qualified Contract Aquatic Biologist. This position will assist TVA staff with environmental reviews.  Jobs duties include stream delineation, mapping, condition assessment, impact analysis, and technical writing for TVA projects/actions. Supplemental to stream delineation duties, there will also be opportunities to work with threatened and endangered aquatic biota within the TVA region.

Occasional to regular overnight travel within the Tennessee Valley Authority Power Service Area (Tennessee and portions of surrounding states – NC, VA, KY, GA, AL, and MS) would be required.  Related responsibilities include organized and efficient completion of projects with high attention to detail, communication and collaboration with fellow aquatic biologists, other subject matter experts, project managers, and collaborating agencies.

Field work will often be performed in groups (2-4 specialists), but occasionally solo travel will be required. As a contractor, hourly pay and some healthcare packages are available through the contract company, Johnson Service Group. Some paid leave is available for contractors after 12 months. Hours are flexible while maintaining scheduled project completion deadlines and necessary field travel. There is no relocation allowance provided for this position. 

Work Week: Monday – Friday, ~40 hours with the potential for overtime

Location: Knoxville, TN or Chattanooga, TN with the ability to work from the respective downtown office complex. Remote work allowed when not conducting field work.

Work Setting:  The Biological Compliance group is primarily working from home (except field work), but applicant would be required to work in-office if TVA’s work from home policy changes

Compensation: Competitive (commensurate with education and experience)

Term: Indefinite based on a 6-12 month performance-based contract review and TVA workload need

Travel: 2-3 days a week, 2-3 weeks per month. TVA fleet vehicles and gas cards provided for field work use. Lodging and per diem reimbursed by TVA for work-related duties

General Skills:

• Proficient with GIS (ArcGIS Pro), data entry/manipulation
• GPS data collection
• Ability to hike up 6 miles while carrying field equipment
• Ability to safely operate a vehicle, particularly in off-road conditions
• Record keeping, detailed note taking, and record management
• Technical writing with a scientific focus

Minimum Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific or engineering field AND at least 1 year of experience in stream delineation and compliance OR Master’s degree in relevant scientific or engineering field
• Some familiarity and/or experience with stream delineation is required, and experience with TDEC’s Hydrologic Determination Training program is a plus, but not required
• Ability to distinguish between an ephemeral (wet-weather conveyance), intermittent, and perennial stream
• Knowledge of regulatory issues, policies, and laws related to endangered & threatened species particularly desirable
• Continued education and/or specialized aquatic training is preferred
• Familiarity with Clean Water Act compliance and National Environmental Policy Act process
• Experience working with fish, freshwater mussels, snails, crayfish, etc. is a plus, but not required
• Experience with wetland delineation is a plus, but not required

*Important Note: This position REQUIRES fieldwork, entailing all the associated joys of challenging field conditions including heat, cold, weather, insects, wildlife, poison ivy, thorns, and physical exertion – offset by the camaraderie of working with a great group of people.